Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LitterMaidWalnut #LitterMaid #CollectiveBias

Meet Garfield. He is our almost 5-year-old adorable cuddly cat.

When we decided it was time for our children to have a pet, Joshua my youngest was obsessed with the movie Garfield. On a whim, we went to the pet store and I said to the kids if we see an orange kitten we can adopt him.

Sure enough, the only kittens they had that day were orange 6 week-old kittens. So I kept true to my promise. Garfield quickly was welcomed into our home.

He truly has become the king of the house and has such a great relationship with each of my kids. He loving, kind and playful. It was an instant bond and easy transition for everyone.

As a few years went on, I became focused on my fitness journey. It was time to have an overall healthier lifestyle for not only myself but my family as well. And this included Garfield.

Since I have raised cats almost all my life I stuck to what I know but ways to try to Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy have come along way with some better products on the market.

Now I read labels and have switched to a better food for Garfield. But I will be honest I never thought about cat litter until now!

LitterMaid has been a trusted brand for over 20 years. When I saw LitterMaid® Premium Walnut cat litter at Walmart I figured I would give it a shot.

Garfield has always been a messy little boy when it comes to his cat box.

After reading the label and seeing it is made with natural walnut shells, fragrance-free, and 99% dust free I was sold!

I also needed something that has the clumping ability to make it easier to clean his cat box. Plus something to neutralize tough litter box odors. Which the LitterMaid® Premium Walnut cat litter does as well!

I feel so much better about making the switch. I notice less mess and such a better way to keep your cat healthy with more natural ingredients they are breathing in.

If you are looking to keep your Keep Your Cat Healthy too, head on over to Walmart.com and try out the LitterMaid® Premium Walnut cat litter for your cat.

Our dogs are family. We owe it to our favorite companions to ensure they receive the love and care they deserve. As they enter the senior stage of their life, we need to be more aware of health concerns and learn what we can do to improve their quality of life.

5 Ways to Improve Your Elderly Dogs Quality of Life

Arthritis in Dogs

Painful arthritis can result in limited mobility. One innovative treatment is passive range of motion therapy (PROM). This involves gently massaging and flexing the dog’s joints and muscles. This gentle therapy can strengthen the joints and tendons so you and your dog can continue to enjoy more activities together.

Know What You’re Feeding Your Pet

Even if the package says the ingredients are high quality, be sure to do your homework. Look on the back and check the top four or five ingredients listed. That will tell you right away what makes up the bulk of the food, and whether meat is actually the main ingredient or if it is really some unknown byproduct like cornmeal. A great site to help with researching different pet foods is Dogfoodadvisor.com. The site allows you to search by different brands and types of food.

Make Accommodations in the Home

Perhaps your furry friend can’t quite jump as high anymore. Provide a little step so they can still get to their favorite spot on the bed or couch. Hardwood and laminate flooring are popular options but they might not be the most comfortable for your canine companions. Also, watch out for pressure spots that your pet might develop near their paws as a result of pushing against the hard floors.

Be sure to provide plenty of soft bedding or rugs for them to lie on to help avoid these spots. You can also apply some vitamin E if sore spots do develop, but be sure to consult your vet from places like Brimley-Lawrence Animal Clinic if they start to get infected.

Pay Attention to Dental Health

Plaque and tartar build up can lead to serious health problems with your dog’s kidneys and heart. Encourage your dog’s joy of chewing with chew toys and treats that help aid the removal of plaque and tartar. You can also brush your dog’s teeth. Just don’t use human toothpaste because it can be harmful to your pet.

In conclusion, our loyal companions deserve the best care we can provide. By educating ourselves and paying attention to their changing needs, we can improve their quality of life when they need it most.

This is a guest post written my Anica. A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anicahere.

Aggressive behavior is one of the most serious problems a dog owner has to deal with. An aggressive dog can damage property, fight with other animals or injure another person. Failure to control an aggressive dog could even result in a visit from a Taylor and Blair Surrey personal injury attorney. The good news is that most aggressive dogs can be trained to change their behavior. It’s simply a matter of understanding what causes dog aggression, then devising ways to deal with it. There are two primary causes of aggression in dogs: lack of exercise, and the desire to be dominant. Understand that aggression is rarely related to a specific breed. Any dog can be aggressive if the right conditions exist.

Tips for Behavior Training Aggressive Dogs

Proper Exercise
It’s not good for any breed to be cooped up inside all day with nothing to do. A lack of exercise results in boredom and an inability to work out the natural energy dogs possess. The need for exercise isn’t so noticeable in small breeds because they may get plenty of exercise running around the house. Things are different for larger breeds. The first step in training your dog to abandon aggressive behavior is to make sure regular exercise is part of the daily routine. This can include walks around the neighborhood, chasing toys in the park, playing with other dogs, or any other activity your pet enjoys. The idea is to get him out and moving so he burns off the excess energy. Make time to play and wear out your dog’s energy.

Addressing Dominance
Dogs are pack animals, and are naturally programmed to exist within a hierarchical framework. Aggressive dogs tend to be lacking in any sort of recognized hierarchy, so they seek to dominate people and other animals. The tendency to dominate can be corrected by establishing the proper hierarchy at home. Remember that your dog is not a person. It is an animal that needs to be treated as such. When dealing with your dog, always use firm and confident language that displays you are in charge. The moment your dog starts moving toward aggression, distract him. He can’t be aggressive toward people or animals he cannot focus on. You can try distracting the dog with sound, a firm tug on the leash, a clap, or anything else that gets his attention.

This is only scratching the surface of curbing training aggressive dogs. For more information about dealing with aggressive dogs, consult a veterinarian or dog trainer. Remember, very few dogs are so far gone that aggressive behavior cannot be corrected.

Guest Post written by Brooke Chaplan. Brooke is a freelance writer and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico. She enjoys hiking, biking, running and blogging about many different subjects including family, home and fitness. Contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan

When it comes to taking care of furry family members, it can get fairly expensive. From specialty foods to frequent vet visits, you might be looking at less costly ways to take care of your pets. Fortunately, you can give your pets the care they need without breaking the bank. Here are six ways to save money on pet care this year.

1.Visit the Vet Regularly

Visiting your veterinarian can be expensive, but your pets need regular maintenance to prevent major health crises down the road. Ask your vet if they offer a savings plan or can work with you on payments. Regular screenings can help protect your furry friends and save you hundreds on costly treatments.

2. Invest in Better Food

You might try to save money by buying cheap food, but what you feed your pet is just as important as what you feed yourself. Over time, poorer quality food may result in poor health that can lead to expensive medical treatments. Invest in natural or high-quality food and feed your pets appropriately to encourage good health.

3. Skip the Brand Names

As you shop for dog beds and cat toys, make sure that you aren’t drawn into the trap of thinking that a more expensive brand name will be better, or even necessary. You can find quite a few options for your pet in less expensive choices.

4. Check Your Local Paper

Your local paper can be a great place to look for deals on pet vaccinations and special low-cost, pet-friendly events to help your pets get more activity. You may also find coupons on your pets’ food and other supplies to reduce expenses.

5. Travel Wisely

If you plan on traveling this year, try to plan the trip when you know you’ll have an available sitter for your pets. Boarding fees can be expensive, and traveling with your pets can be outrageous. Save money by asking a friend or family member to take care of your pets instead.

6. Consider DIY Beauty Care

Thanks to an abundance of videos online, learning to provide beauty care for your pets is relatively simple. Buy your own supplies and give your own baths, hair trims, nail clippings and other beauty care to save money on costly vet visits.

Keeping a pet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Check out deals offered by your local animal shelter for even more ways to save on pet maintenance. From DIY beauty care to investing in better food, you can give your pets the love and attention they deserve without spending a fortune.

This is a guest post written by Marlena Stoddard. Marlena writes on parenting and fitness. Originally from Senoia, GA, Marlena lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband and 2 children. When she isn’t spending time with her children or writing, Marlena enjoys baking, reading, and running. For more on Marlena, you can follow her on Google+.

Adopting a pet is one of the most enjoyable additions to any household, providing more love and comfort in the home with a new friend. It can be exciting to shop around for the right dog or pet, but adding a new family member can also mean having to prepare your budget for the extra amount it will cost. Owning a pet in the first year can cost up to $2,000, making it important to appropriately budget and know what to expect.

Plan for Neutering

Unless you’re planning to breed your pet, expect to pay an average of $200 to neuter your pet, depending on their size. An initial medical exam can also cost an additional $70, unless the pet was adopted through a shelter and has already been neutered.

Budget for Pet Food

Pet food is a monthly expense that should be accounted for, ranging from $55 for small pets to $235 for large pets each year. This does not include treats that are often given periodically throughout each week.

Consider Grooming Costs for Dogs

Although grooming your pet at home can save money, it’s important for a pet to visit a groomer every three to six months, depending on the breed to ensure their nails are properly trimmed and that they receive dental care with proper tools. This can range from $265 for small dogs to $410 a year for larger dogs, something that should not be neglected to maintain their health.

Get Pet Insurance

Just as humans routinely visit the doctor for healthcare needs and check-ups, pets should visit the vet for vaccines, preventative treatment, and to treat any conditions that may develop.

It’s also likely that the pet will need surgery at some point or may suffer from an injury, which can cost thousands of dollars. Obtaining pet insurance will save money in the long run when visiting a local Dog Hospital Columbus, which will total an average of $20 a month. Premiums should also be incorporated into the budget, which is not covered by pet insurance.

It can be exciting to own a new pet, but can also be stressful if their cost is not properly budgeted throughout the year. By creating a list of what they’ll need each month and even periodically, it will make it easier to prevent stress and truly enjoy your new friend.

This is a guest post written by Marlena Stoddard. Marlena writes on parenting and fitness. Originally from Senoia, GA, Marlena lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband and 2 children. When she isn’t spending time with her children or writing, Marlena enjoys baking, reading, and running. For more on Marlena, you can follow her on Google+.